Is Jack Russell and Basset Hound Mix a Good dog Breed?

Jack Russell and Basset hound mix question:
My husband and I want to get a dog. Someone we know has a dog that is giving birth to a litter of puppies that are a mix of Jack Russells and Basset Hounds, and before we end up bringing one of them home, I want to find out as much as I can about this particular breed, especially about common medical issues and average lifespan.

Photo Credit: Prophetic_Blogger/Flickr CC

Answers and Views:

Answer by Stephen Johns
Two totally different breeds with VERY different temperaments. Who knows what you will get? Jack Russells are hyper and bark a lot and Bassetts are very laid back and howl.

Answer by Harry
Just to be clear--this is not a "breed". This is a hybrid that will have a mix of both breeds' traits.
They'll probably have a longer body and be relatively small. Jack Russells are terriers and like to dig, Bassets are hounds and like to bay (which is like loud barking). It could be energetic or a cuddle bug or both.

I think that that mix should be okay, and I know that people on here will say things like "go to a shelter" or "backyard breeder" but at least you're doing your part to keep those puppies out of a shelter. Just be cautious and make sure neither parent dog has any genetic illnesses that could be passed down to the pups.

Answer by Sydney
Jack Russell can be very active and bark a lot... Bassets can be very calm but DO howl. make sure you are fine with both of these traits... also Bassets shouldn't jump up and down from furniture because it is bad for their long back... So if you want a dog to jump up on the couch with you.. you should either find a new breed or Lift the dog up. I have heard that the hounds can have a strange scent but I have not smelled it first hand.

Answer by Mark
I had a Basset Jack for 14 years and it was the best dog I ever had. When he passed I was lucky enough to find another one at the pound. He's great as well. He's 2 1/2 years old. I've always had dogs but I can honestly say their brightness will liven up your home.

Answer by Gary Wolfer (in reply to Mark)
I also have a Bassett Jack Russell female, she’s only about 20 lbs, loves to run and hunt but listens very well when called. Very demanding and a beggar, good with large dogs, kind of puts them in there place but don’t warm up to little ones very well. She is kind of my dog but if I’m gone she is kind of protective of my wife. She sleeps with us and gets under the covers, if someone comes we know it, not aggressive but lets us know there is someone here.

She started out with young kids and was fine, but now she doesn’t warm up to them, I think it’s something that they need to live with and not just sometimes cause we’re older and have young ones only once in a while, we wouldn’t trade her for any other dog, love her to pieces, hope this helped

Answer by Zoe
BASSET HOUND:
Basset Hounds are an extremely stubborn breed but laid back, non-aggressive. Because of their stubbornness, they can be hard to housebreak.  Great with children and generally good with other dogs. Not the most playful of breeds, but like to chase. They do require daily exercise.
Affectionate dogs, quiet (but noisy when needed to be) But keep an eye out. They are hunters if there are rabbits, squirrels near where you live ALWAYS keep him on a lead; otherwise, you will lose him. Make sure your yard is very secure, bassets will dig to chase smaller animals.
Be careful of the Bassets back, the spine is long and delicate and easily damaged.
Bassets live for food and will beg like they are starved! Use food when training them (if you're lucky to even get him to sit!)

• How to get my Bassett Hound to not smell that bad?
• How to get my German Shepherd and Jack Russell to mate?
• Should I get a Basset Hound dog?

JACK RUSSELL TERRIER:
This breed can also be very stubborn, but they love to perform! They can be very assertive and won't do well in a restricted lifestyle - they NEED exercise or aggression can be a big problem.
Energy levels can be overwhelming for some people. Need a firm leader, or they will train you
Escape artist (need a secure yard, they can climb walls). Bark, dig, and scent follow a lot!
Bold and fearless - they will confront any dog when threatened, no matter how much bigger the other dog is.
Gentle with children, however, they do not tolerate the basic level of abuse, from anyone! (tugging ears, tail, etc is a BIG no-no)
Can become protective/possessive of family members).

The lifespan of Jack Russell and Basset Hound mix:
BASSET HOUND: expected lifespan for a well-bred and well-cared-for Basset Hound is 10 to 14 years with an average of 12 years.
JACK RUSSELL: The average lifespan is about 15 years, usually a little longer in the miniature, but many JRT's life into their late teens and beyond. My father had a JRT who lived to be 23 years old before dying from old age.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!